The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is calling on merchants and building materials manufacturers to showcase how they have played their part in the fight against COVID-19.
Since the initial outbreak of coronavirus in March 2020, merchants and building materials producers, along with businesses from across the construction industry have been playing their part in fighting the disease, providing vital resources to those on the frontline, and safeguarding construction workers and local communities.
Today [April 28] sees the launch of a new website called www.constructioncovid19response.co.uk that showcases examples of these responses, with a focus on four themes:
1. Building NHS capacity
2. PPE donations
3. Safeguarding workers
4. Helping communities.
The site has been prepared as part of the work of the Construction Leadership Council COVID-19 Taskforce, comprising representatives from the industry’s trade bodies, including the BMF, client organisations and the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
Commenting on the new website, Andy Mitchell CBE, co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council, said: “No-one can have any doubt that the true heroes of the pandemic are those who work day in, day out in our NHS and care system, risking their lives to help others.
“But I have also been proud to see the response of the UK construction industry, which has come together to support our NHS, change the way we work, and support the communities in which we live.”
Andy continued: “The delivery of the NHS Nightingale hospitals within a matter of weeks has required 24-hour working at all levels of the UK construction supply chain, and a level of co-operation that has shown UK construction at its very best.
“Industry has not only stepped up to the plate in a time of crisis but has donated millions of pieces of much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals, care-homes, and other front-line workers.
“We have also moved at speed to implement safe working practices in response to COVID-19, so where work can be done safely it can continue.
“Industry and government’s priority now must be a long-term recovery plan for our sector, which will be at the very heart of the UK’s economic revival in the months and years ahead.”
John Newcomb, chief executive officer of the BMF, added: “A number of BMF members are already featured in case studies on the website, but we know many more in our sector have stepped up magnificently both to change the way they are working and to support the NHS and their local communities.
“We are seeking more case studies to showcase the commitment and dedication of our industry through the work you are doing to overcome this crisis.”
If you have a great story to tell, email details to John.Newcomb@bmf.org.uk
